The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-18
THE ALEXANDRA HOUSE


The illustrated London News, of March 10,
and the American Traveller of the week fol-
lowing, contain detailed accounts of the open
ing of Alexandra House, in London, by the
Prince of Wales. Considering the fact that
two former residents of Indianapolis were
were prominent participants in the affair,
some particulars concerning it may not be
without interest to the Journals readers. The
Alexandra House is the name of an institu-
ton recently founded by Sir Francis Cook,
head Of a wealthy mercantile firm of London
and Portugal. and bearing in the latter coun-
try in addition to his English title Of baronet
that of Viscount Mont Serrat. Sir Francis
is described as a cultivated man,
with leaning to the fine
arts and of benevolent disposition. His at
tention was called to the needs of young
women of limited means who come to London
to pursue their studies in art. literature and
music, and he conceived the idea that they
should have suitable homes and surroundings
at nominal price. thus encouraging their
studies and protecting them from harm. The
Alexandra House is the practical result of
this idea. 1t is large building handsomely
furnished and decorated with paintings and
bric-a- brac from his own galleries and fitted
up with every convenience for lady students.
The plot of ground on which it is located
was proffered by the Queen, but the en-
tire cost of the enterprise, estimated
at something near $500, 600, was borne by Sir
Francis alone. The opening ceremonies were
elaborate, and the affair, judging from the
representatives of the royal family and large
number of other notables who were present.
seems to have been brilliant one. Lady
Cook, the wife of Sir Francis, came in for
large share Of the praise showered upon her
husband by the we'll pleased visitors, and
must in the recesses of her heart, have con-
trasted the scene with others in the past,
when, as Miss Tennie C. Clafin, in Indianap-
Oils and New York, she was the recipient of less
fattering attentions. Her sister, formerly Mrs.
w OOuuuiI, anu uoW 1IdOy
was present with her husband on the occasion,
and is described as one of the distinguished
guests. The fact is also mentioned, incident
ally that an establishment similar to Alexan-
dra House, and built by Sir Biddulph Martin,
is soon to be opened by the Queen.
The gamut of human experience has been
run by these two women with speed and sue
cess which has few parallels outside of fiction
of the improbable type. The transformation
scenes in their lives appear to the spec
tator like pictures from fairy tale, and
to themselves, perhaps, scarcely seem like
reality. From the little house on Kentucky
avenue, in this city, where, with their father,
| twenty years ago or more, they told fortunes
and played with clairvoyance, to New York.
| whence they were driven by unpleasant noto-
riety, and on to London, where fortune
smiled, and with respectful consideration laid
wealth and honorable titles in their laps, is a
story which reads like the Arabian Nights
It is all rather spectacular, and suspicion
| turks in the mind of the on.looker that ma
lcious spirit may outwit the fairy godmother,
and with her transforming wand turn the
gorgeousness back to dust and ashes once
more